Nigeria’s Senate has announced a N100 million donation to the country’s victorious Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, in recognition of their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The financial reward was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, November 10, following a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central.
The motion sought national recognition for the young footballers after they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat on Saturday, November 7, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Akpabio said the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was intended to appreciate the players’ achievement and encourage them to continue representing Nigeria on the international stage.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to provide appropriate rewards for the players and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and support the continued development of its members.
The announcement adds another financial recognition to the celebrations following Nigeria’s breakthrough victory in Morocco.
Akpabio urges FG and NFF to support young players
Moving the motion, Ningi described the Flamingos’ achievement as a historic moment for Nigerian football, noting that the players had accomplished something that several national teams had yet to achieve.
He expressed concern that the victory had not received sufficient publicity and national recognition, particularly following the team’s return to Nigeria.
The senator urged the government and relevant sports authorities to give the players the recognition they deserved for bringing honour to the country.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, praised the team for overcoming Japan in the final.
Oshiomhole described the victory as evidence of the determination and potential of Nigerian youths. He also called on the Senate leadership to provide financial support that would help the players pursue their education alongside their football careers.
Akpabio, in his remarks, highlighted the Flamingos’ victories over established football nations, including Brazil and Japan.
He appealed to the NFF to retain the players within the national football development system and provide opportunities for them to progress to higher levels of the game.
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion’s prayers, congratulating President Bola Tinubu, the players, Nigerians and the National Sports Commission leadership, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.
It also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate compensation for the team.
Flamingos make history for Nigeria and Africa
Nigeria’s triumph in Morocco represents a landmark achievement in the history of African women’s football.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on November 7, with Awawu Bashiru opening the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes into the second half.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the trophy.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA world title at any age level. FIFA +2
The team’s journey to the championship was also notable for its recovery from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland.
The Flamingos subsequently recorded six consecutive victories, including wins over defending champions North Korea and Brazil before overcoming Japan in the final. Ministry of Information
The achievement surpassed Nigeria’s previous best performance in the competition, a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India. Ministry of Information
